AN fittings to NPT? Fuel return line (Do I need it)?

[handloader90]

I'm looking into buying a 16 gallon fuel cell here soon and all of the fittings on all of the fuel cells that I've seen are -6AN or -8AN. I use NPT fittings on my mechanical fuel pump and carb. I don't want to run fancy AN steel braided blingy fuel line. Just good 3/8" rubber hose for me.

How do I PROPERLY adapt these fitting to accommodate 3/8" fuel hose? I haven't been able to find any kind of 3/8" NPT barb fitting that is threaded for AN.

My '76 K10 still has the factory saddle tanks on either side. Is the fuel pump for two tanks different than the fuel pump would be for just one tank (fuel cell in my case).

Is a return line necessary, beneficial or a good safe measure? If so, please explain.

If I go to one of the common parts stores will they have a SBC mechanical fuel pump without a return line fitting for me to purchase?

 

[handloader90]

Here's the fuel cell I'm looking at. Trying to keep the price as low as possible on this swap.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-290100/overview/

 

[paratrooper307]

I'm looking into buying a 16 gallon fuel cell here soon and all of the fittings on all of the fuel cells that I've seen are -6AN or -8AN. I use NPT fittings on my mechanical fuel pump and carb. I don't want to run fancy AN steel braided blingy fuel line. Just good 3/8" rubber hose for me.

How do I PROPERLY adapt these fitting to accommodate 3/8" fuel hose? I haven't been able to find any kind of 3/8" NPT barb fitting that is threaded for AN.

My '76 K10 still has the factory saddle tanks on either side. Is the fuel pump for two tanks different than the fuel pump would be for just one tank (fuel cell in my case).

Is a return line necessary, beneficial or a good safe measure? If so, please explain.

If I go to one of the common parts stores will they have a SBC mechanical fuel pump without a return line fitting for me to purchase?

If you're just using 3/8" hose, something like this will adapt it to the fuel cell...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/der-98200?seid=srese1&gclid=CMHC8eSG8McCFckYHwodjQYEEg

And if you want to use hose all the way up to the pump, something like this to connect the hose to the pump...
http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/npt-to-nipple-fittings

As for the pumps being different, I don't think the main pumps are different, but not entirely sure.

A return line is beneficial. While not required, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It helps prevent fuel boiling and vapor lock, and doesn't take much to install.

There are GM pump applications that didn't have a return, so you should be able to get one at the parts store.

 

[Carcinogen]

As was already said a return line is a good idea to prevent vapor lock. That said, the fuel pump I have(see link below) doesn't have a return port... You can get fuel filters with them though.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-1721/overview/make/chevrolet

 

[Stomis]

As was already said a return line is a good idea to prevent vapor lock. That said, the fuel pump I have(see link below) doesn't have a return port... You can get fuel filters with them though.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-1721/overview/make/chevrolet

Yep. If memory serves me correctly the SBC way to get a return on a factory carb was at the filter. When I used to work on the classic vettes all the C3s with air conditioning had the return filter to prevent vapor lock in traffic with the engine loaded from air con. The non air con cars just had a dead head to the carb.

I believe later on they made it standard.

 

[handloader90]

If I were to use a fuel cell with only one fuel outlet could I route the return line to an overflow can similar to a coolant overflow? Would that be the best way to do it to avoid vapor lock and fuel boil or is there issues with having it setup like that?

The reason I ask is because I've been looking at the Jaz bladder in a box style fuel cells for a little added protection since this thing will be sitting in my bed. The 16 gallon ones I've been looking at only have 1 fuel outlet and 1 vent outlet.

A rollover/ tip over valve goes on the vent outlet, correct?

 

[Bent77]

If I were to use a fuel cell with only one fuel outlet could I route the return line to an overflow can similar to a coolant overflow? Would that be the best way to do it to avoid vapor lock and fuel boil or is there issues with having it setup like that?

The reason I ask is because I've been looking at the Jaz bladder in a box style fuel cells for a little added protection since this thing will be sitting in my bed. The 16 gallon ones I've been looking at only have 1 fuel outlet and 1 vent outlet.

A rollover/ tip over valve goes on the vent outlet, correct?

The return line has to go to the tank, or the filter as Stomis noted.

Also the vent line would be the location for the tip over valve. Conversely you can curly Q the vent line about 4 coils so it works like a vacuum breaker and route the vent line through the charcoal canister.

 

[handloader90]

The return line has to go to the tank, or the filter as Stomis noted.

Also the vent line would be the location for the tip over valve. Conversely you can curly Q the vent line about 4 coils so it works like a vacuum breaker and route the vent line through the charcoal canister.

Thank you for the clarification. I think I'll just go the fuel filter route. It just seems easier.

 

[handloader90]

Ordered the fuel cell mentioned earlier in the thread.

Also got some -8AN to 3/8" NPT adapter items and a -8AN cap.

I'm gonna use the right outlet on the sump for fuel and cap the other one off. I need to grab a 3/8" hose barb from the fastener store and a rollover valve to run off of the -6AN vent fitting and I should good to go.

Going to run a clear fuel filter then a fuel filter with return line fitting about 6" apart between the pump and carb. Reason being is the only filters I've seen with return line fittings are all metal and the clear one will help me to know when I need to change them both + a little more filtration.